Dengue precautions at home

Home care is supportive: it helps your body cope while the illness runs its course, but it does not replace assessment when symptoms are concerning. Keep a written record of fever, drinking, urination, vomiting, pain and any bleeding. A person with dengue should avoid mosquito bites during illness so local mosquitoes are less likely to spread the virus.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink frequently, rest and choose light meals as tolerated. Wear loose clothing, use repellent and stay behind intact screens or under a mosquito net. Check medicines with a pharmacist or doctor before taking them, particularly if there is bruising or bleeding. A GP Consultation can help set a monitoring plan.

Get urgent medical help for repeated vomiting, severe belly pain, faintness, confusion, breathlessness, cold or clammy skin, reduced urination, or bleeding from the nose, gums, urine or bowel. Seek review if you cannot keep fluids down or become markedly weaker, even if the fever has improved.

Ask how often to check symptoms, which drink and fever medicine are suitable, how long to prevent bites, and who to contact if vomiting, chills or easy bruising develops.